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Parcel Carrier Comparison Guide

by Sifted Team

Feb 7, 2024

3 min read

In the intricate landscape of parcel shipping today, shippers navigate a complex web of carriers, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s crucial to choose the right carrier for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

FBA vs FBM

Carrier Diversification Presentation

Our experts have compiled the strengths and weaknesses of key carriers—UPS, FedEx, Amazon, USPS, OnTrac, and Pitney Bowes—providing a helpful guide. From weight limits to service offerings, geographic coverage and pricing structures, this analysis offers insights for informed decision-making:

CarrierStrengthsWeaknesses

UPS

  • Up to 150 Lbs

  • Express and Ground Services

  • Serves All 50 States

  • Consistent Deliveries


  • Penalize Heavy Shipments


FedEx

  • Up to 150 Lbs

  • Express and Ground Services

  • Serves All 50 States


  • Penalize Heavy Shipments

  • Inconsistent Delivery Performance

Amazon

  • Up to 150 Lbs

  • Serves All 50 States

  • Consistent Deliveries

  • Fast Ground Delivery Times

  • Don't Penalize Heavy Shipments

  • Very Competitive Discounts


  • No Express Services

USPS

  • Up to 70 Lbs

  • Less Accessorial Fees

  • Serves All 50 States

  • New Ground Advantage Service


  • Poor Delivery Performance

OnTrac

  • Competitive Transit Times

  • Captures 85% of the Population


  • Only Serves 35 States

  • Can Only Ship up to 50 Lbs

Pitney Bowes

  • Serves All 50 States


  • Only Competitively Ships up to to 5 Lbs

  • Must Ship Out of Only 27 States

Overall, the choice of a parcel carrier is both a difficult and important decision. As a Logistics Intelligence company, Sifted leverages billions of dollars in shipping spend data to guide businesses in making informed carrier decisions. Request a demo to see how our software can help your company optimize your shipping operations.

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